Scoot Free

After being convicted of lying to federal prosecutors, former Cheney chief-of-staff Scooter Libby’s 30-month jail sentence is commuted by President Bush. The Prez says Scooter’s prison sentence was “excessive.” Here’s the statement: AP/Washington Post Excessive??? Thirty months is consistent with other “excessive” sentences Bush and the Justice Department have pushed for in similar crimes. New York Times There’s hypocrisy on all sides of this. AP/MSNBC

Pakistani security forces warn of a “last chance” for students at the Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) in Islamabad where 24 people have already died in clashes there. CNN What is so controversial about this mosque? BBC

Seven of the eight people arrested in connection with the London and Glasgow bombings are doctors. Newsweek

What’s in it for Hamas to secure the release of the BBC journalist? Time

Here’s an new way to protest land clearing laws: Cut down trees. (London) Times

Book your tickets. The Winter Olympics will be in Russia in 2014. Reuters With murder, carjackings and home robberies on the rise in South Africa, will the country be ready to host the World Cup in 2010? Guardian

Watch the concert. Save the planet. That’s what Al Gore and the organizers of Live Earth are hoping for. USA Today

Were you smart enough not to do any of these things with fireworks at your 4th of July BBQ?